Electrical switch



June?3, 1931.- A.P.'BALL I ,8

I ELECTRICAL SWITCH I Filod July 19, 1920 e Sheets-Sheet i June 23, 1931.

A. P. BALL ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed July 19, 1920v 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 23, 1931. p BALL, 1,811,251

ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed Jul 19, 1920 s Sheets-Sheet 3 June 23, 1931. A L 1,811,251

ELECTRI CAL SWI TGH Filed July 19, 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 23, 1931. A. P. BALL I 1,811,251

- ELECTRICAL vSWITCH I Filed July 19 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 YA. P. BALL 1,811,251

ELECTRICAL SWITCH June 23, 1931.

Filed July 19, 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 15 will be formed.'

Patented June 23, 1931 i can-En -s'rzxrss PAIENT former ALBERT 1. :BALL, or ROYAL oAx; MICHIGAN, AssIeNoa-ro sauna n comunw, or i nmnorr, MICHIGAN, a-coaromrron or MICHIGAN mm o'ranmn swrrcnap plication flled July 19, 1920. Serial No. 397,261.

I My invention relates to electrical switches and it has particular relation" to 'swltches wherein are combined means insuring a quick-snap circuit closing and opening and 5 means associated therewith whereby the switch functions to provide the'necessary protection in the electric circuit with which it is associated when it is employed as a motor starting switch.- I

so embody the above -mentioned means in a switch, that a minimum number of parts Willbe employedbut at the same time'an eflicient and positively acting switch unit I provide means whereby the quick break and make features are. so organized that when the movable contacts move'in either direction thereis initially imparted thereto I a positive movement and 1 -.thereaft er that movementis accelerated to a full'clo'smg and v opening position.

pose the various switch-operating instru mentalities that time capacity of the switch wherein they are employed is unlimited. It should be remembered that, whereas there aremany switching units whlch employ some sort or other of snap opening and closing feature,'so far as I am aware the majority of them are'not susceptible to .the design Of the larger capacity switches. This'follows because of the way in which the switch elements operate and the necessary lightness of 85 some. of the resilient members which are employed therein. As above sudggested, switch therefore, I employ in my improve unit means which are capable of expansion necessary heavy-weight, moving contacting parts which are usedgwhen the'amperage capacity of the switch becomeshigh. A-noth-erobject of my invention is to associate with the aforementioned quickmake shunted during the closin period of the switch that the tendency lor the fuses to '.blow during a motor starting 0 eration is eliminated. As is well known t e current to any desired; degree to provide for the and break features of themain switch,a fuse. receptacle in series therewith whichis so Y drawn by many types of motors and particularly industrial induction motors, -during the starting operation thereof, is quite heavy in comparison to the normal running current ofsaid motors.

I, therefore, provide means, combined with the main vswitching contacts and operable simultaneously therewith, which i a function to establish a temporary shunt cir- The primary object of my invention is to isestablished at an'o portune time. It is,

moreover, essential that the shunt circuit be opened immediately after ,1 the motor has started and the elements of my switch are so arranged'that this is accomplished.

In many of the switches ofthe rior art in which-means are-embodied to's unt the g switch fuses during the opening operation Inthis connection" I so organize and dis-"- of the fuse shunting device is left either-to chance, that is by manual opening of the same, or 1s performed through some combination of gears, or otherwise,'. which are sup posed to open said fuse-shunting circuit in a predetermined time or after the motor has come up to speed, All of the above methods, however, are faulty in some res ects in that they do not provide for the s ortcomings {of human control or for the unreliability of the switch operating gears, the'latter being liable to et out of order and fail to open the fuseu'nting'circuit at the proper time.

Such eventual-itws result in' a burned-out motor'as would be the case if no fuses at all were associated 'withthemotor circuit inas- -much as the shunt circuit around the fuse;

allows a largevmu'ltiple of the normal current of flow thereto, If then, as frequently happens, especially in industrial work, the vmotorlis initially overloaded, it will draw so large a current as to burn. the same out' in a very short time.

.The means-which I provide for shunting the fuses; are therefore so arranged that while the: fuse may be maintained in shunt-.

'ing' relation by manual control it is immediately placed in series with the load'upon release of the operating handle. If, as is usually the case, the switch is closed and the handle at once released, the fuse shunting member immediately snaps to open position and inasmuch as this opening operation is performed irrespective of the position of the handle and independently of any gearing or otherwise, being governed solely by a resilient member, the fuse is positively placed in the main circuit immediately after the closing of the switch. This is extremely desirable for practical operation because most industrial motors come up to speed immediately upon the closing of the switch and if they should happen to be initially overloaded, the fuses operate at once to cut off the motor from the source of power.

As I have above intimated, both the switch closing and fuse shunting operations are governed through a unitary operating member which contributes to the advantageous operating characteristics above described.

Another object of my invention is to provide switch contact mounting means which are so formed and so disposed in a switch casing that they may be simply and expeditiously mounted. To this end I provide switch contact blocks which are so formed that a plurality of them are held in proper relation in the switch casing by a securing member, which may be easily attached to, and detached from, the casing. The useof this particular combination results in a number of beneficial interchangeable features which are quite desirable in switches.

In the construction of the specific elements embodied in my switching unit many other objects are borne in mind in order to obtain efficient and positive operation of the various elements. These objects will, however, be better understood from the hereinafter description of my invention together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of a switch embodying my invention and a casing therefor, the hinged cover of said casing being swung back to permit an inspection of the interior of the casing;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view taken on the line2-2 of Fig. l, the wall only of the easing being removed, and illustrates the position of the various switching elements when the main contacts are in open position;

Fig. 3 is a view analogous to that of Fig. 2 and represents the position of the switching elements just prior to the closing of the main contacts, the fuse shunting circuit being partially closed;

Fig. 4 is analogous to Fig. 2 and illustrates the position of the switching elements after the closure of the main switch contacts, the operating arm being in its extreme closing position;

because of its construction.

Fig. 5 is still another View analogous to Fig. 2 and represents the position of the switching elements after the operating arm has. been released and the auxiliary fuse shunting circuit has snapped open, the main switch remaining closed;

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the intermediate element which is associated with the switch operating arm and the auxiliary switch contacts;

Fig. 7 is a detail view of the member which is interposed between the switch operating mechanism and the main switch contact arm, the pivotal end of the switch oper ating arm being shown to illustrate the manner in which the member is journaled thereabout;

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of two of the contact blocks and the maintaining member therefor, the latter being broken away to show the structure of the blocks;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a modification of my switch;

Figs. 10 and- 11 are elevational views showing the interior of the switch casing and the switching mechanism of the modification shown in Fig. 9 in open and closed position, respectively; and

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view showing certain switch operating elements in this modified form of switch.

Referring now more specificallyto the drawings and to Figs. 1, 2 and 8, inclusive, a switch casing comprises a box 1 formed preferably of sheet metal and a closure member 2 therefor, which is hingedly mounted thereon. A plurality of contact blocks 3-3, H and 55 are mounted within the easing 1.

The particular manner in which these blocks are mounted may be observed by reference to Fig. 8, wherein is shown a perforated, preferably metal, member 6 having variously shaped perforations 7 formed therein. The contact blocks are slightly wedgeshaped and are formed with a base 8 whereby shoulders are provided thereon. The blocks 3 are placed in position upon the casing and the member 6 set down thereover whereby the edges of the erforations engage the shoulder portion 8 of the blocks.

By securing the member 6 to the bottom of the casing l as by screws 9-9 the blocks are firmly positioned therein without the use of any metal securing members through the blocks 3. Moreover, a large number of blocks may be positioned in said casing with use of but few securing means and a very compact and rigid switch base is established.

A switch base mounting, as I have .just

described, is of particular advantage in that a high degree of interchangeability is imparted to the structure. Any number of perforations may be made in the members 6 and appropriate contact blocks seated therein and subsequently'secured' to an appropriate casing. This eliminates the manufacture of special contact block bases for all types of switches and permits of the mounting of any desired number of poles within a switch casing.

On the blocks 3-3 are mounted conducting members 10-10 which are secured to the blocks by screws 11-11 and which have mounted at one end thereof spring clips 12-12. The latter may, of course, be formed integral with the members 10 if desired, although in the form of switch illustrated I have shown them mounted in electrical association therewith by screws. Also mounted in conducting relation with the members 10 are binding eyes 13-13. to which may be attached the leads of the circuit which the switch controls.

On blocks 4-4 are mounted contacting members 1414 which are secured thereto by screws. At one end of the member 14,-

' 25'. and in conducting relation thereto, are positioned posts 15 on which are pivotall mounted movable switch blades 16-16 whic are received in the switch clips 12-12. At the other end of the members 14 are positioned blade clips 17-17 and to the left thereof, and in conducting relation there- .with, are mounted fuse clips 18-18. While Ihave shown the fuse clips and the spring clips as separate members and joined by a short conducting piece 19 which underlies their base and whereby the member 14 and the clips 17 and 19 are electrically connected it may, of course, be desirable to form these members integrally and I contemplate so doing in some modifications of the present switch.

vOn the blocks 5-5 are secured conducting members 20-20 which have mounted on oneend thereof, and in conducting relation therewith, posts 21-21, and at the other end binding eyes 22-22 to which leads may be attached. 1

Fuse clips 23 are also mounted on the blocks 21 and are electrically connected to the member 20; Here, asbefore, the various clips and'posts may be integrally formed,

if desired.

The interchangeability of the contact blocks-to which I have heretofore referred is illustrated, when it is observedthat the switch blocks 5 are of substantially the same shape as the blocks 4 and that the conducting switch posts, etc., may be mounted thereupon in varying relations.

' Fuses 24 24 connect the clips 18 and the clips 23 and are of such capacity as to provide the required protection for such apparatus as is connectedthr'ough'the switch.

Pivotally mounted on posts 21 are switch arms 25 which in .their closed position on gage the clips 17 and thereby establish a shunt circuit around the fuses 24.

A 'cross-head-26 supports, and is connected to, the main moving switch blades 16 through bifurcated members 27. The latter comprise two arms which are slotted longitudinally to accommodate the blades 16 and are links 29 each of which comprises two members 30 and 31 which are provided with reentrant portions 32. In assembling the switch the members 30 and 31 are ivotally disposed upon thecross-head 26 with their reentrant ortions opening in opposite directions. bail portion 33 of a main'switch operating arm 34 is then engaged by moving the two members 30 and 31 so that their reentrant portions together form an opening in WhlCll the bail 33 is held. The members are then secured in this co-extensive overlying relation by being pinned at 35. The main switch operating arm 34' is pivotally mounted in the sides of the casing at 36 and 37.

Another cross-head 38 supports, and is attached to the auxiliary blades 25, by members 39 which are in all respects analogous to the members 27 hereinbefore described.

.A bail portion 40 of a pivotally-mounted arm 41 is connected to the cross-head 38 by members 42, analogous to members 29. The arm 41 is pivotally mounted in the casing in substantially parallel relation to the arm 34 and has formed integral therewith a handle 43, which is limited in one extreme position' by a stop 44 provided with eyelets 45 whereby the handle 43 may be locked in the off position. A member 46 having a slot 47 formed therein (Fig. 7) and provided with lugs 48 and 48a projecting therefrom,

has a portion 49 whereby it may be pivotall mounted or journalled about the main switch operating arm. As shown in Fig. 1, these lugs are adapted to engage and move the main switch operat-' ing arm 34, and the member 46 is held against movement in an axial direction by the 'side of the casing against which it bears, and a pin' 50 passing through the switch operating arm 34. Pivoted to the member 46 is a right-angled member, or lug, 51 having a.

perforation in each of its sides through .which one L-shaped end of a r0d 52 passes, said rod being secured at the inner side of the member 46 by a pin 53 whereby the lug 51 is pivotally associated with. said member 46. The other end of the rod 52 asses through another angular lug 54 which/is pivotally mounted on the wall of the eas{ ing 1. J ournalled about the rod 52 and limited in its movements between the lugs 51 and 54, is a spring 55.

A member 56 which is Z-shaped in longitudinal cross-section (Fig. 6) is secured to the auxiliary switch operating arm 41 in the manner shown, one arm thereof having a reentrant portion 57 which engages a portion 58 of the arm 41 and which is secured thereto by means of a washer and pin 59 through the said arm, while the other arm 60 thereof engages, in equitant relation, the bail portion 40 of the arm 41. The middle portion 61 of this Z-shaped member is secured to the side of the bail by a pin and washer 62, although the same may be selfmaintaining if desired.

A right-angled lug 63 has both of its sides perforated to accommodate the angular end of a connecting rod, or as will hereinafter be termed, operator 64, the latter passing through the openings in the lug and through an opening 65 in the member 56 and being secured by a pin 66. By means of this construction the lug 63 is secured to, and may move pivot-ally with respect to, the member 56. The other end of the rod 64 is also L-shaped and passes through the slot 47 in the member 46 and is secured therein by pins 67.

Rigidly secured to the wall of the casing which is shown removed in Figs. 2-5, inclusive, is a lug 68 which has a longitudinal slot 69 formed therein. The rod 64 passes through this slot but a spring 70, which is journalled about said rod 64, is prevented from passing therethrough by a washer 71 which slides along the rod 64 and engages the sides of the slot69 whereby the spring is limited in its movements between the side 72 of the lug 63 and. said washer.

Mounted on the inside of the wall opposite to that which has been removed are stops 73 and 74 which limit the movement of the main switch operating arm 34. A restraining member 75 comprisin a leafspring interposed in the path of the arm 34,

provides for beneficial results in the operation of the switch which will hereinafter be more fully described when the operation of this switch is considered.

Having described the various instrumen-' V tal'ities making up my improved switching unit the operation thereof will now be described.

Referrin firstto Fig. 2 wherein the various swi'tc ing elements are positioned as they appear when the main switch blades 16 are in open position, assume that the handle 43 is moved to the right.

The movement of said handle causes the member 56 to also rotate to the right. At the same time the auxiliary switch blades 25, which are connected to the bail-shaped extension 40 of the handle 43 are moved downwardly until they begin to engage the clips 17. During this movement the spring 70 will be compressed between the washer 71, which comes into contact with the sides of the slot 69 as the rod 64 moves through the latter, and the side 72 of the lug 63.

Fig. 3 illustrates the position of the various switching elements when the above conditions prevail, it being noted that the blades 25 engage the clips 17 whereby the fuses 24 are shunted. During the above movement, however, the L-shaped, righthand end of the rod 64' has engaged the end of the slot 47 and has moved themember 46 about its journalled support 49 whereby the spring 55 is compressed by the movement of the ing 51 downwardly and to the right. The main switch contacts have not yet started to move but as the lug 48 engages the side of the bail portion of the main switch operating arm as shown in Fig. 8, the entire main switch contact operating mechanism starts to move and the closing movement of the blades 16 is positively initiated.

Very little further movement of the member 46 will swing the to gle member formed by the rod 52 and said member 46 downwardly past its dead center point whereupon the energy in the spring 55 will give said member 46 a decided accelerated movement downwardly. During this latter accelerated movement the lug 48 carries the main switch operating arm with it and thereby snaps the blade 16 into closed relation with the clips 12. During this accelerating movement the member 46 rides past the right-hand end of the rod 64 because of the lost motion connection of the latter in the slot 47.

The position of the various elements after the main switch contacts have been snapped home is shown in Fig. 4. In this figure, however, the operator has not yet released the handle 43 and the spring 70 is, therefore, still compressed and the auxiliary fuseshunting blades 25 are still in closed position.

Immediately upon the release of the handle 43 by the operator, the energy of the spring 70 functions to snap the auxiliary switch blades 25 free ,from the clips 17 whereupon the fuses 24 are again inserted in the circuit which the switch controls. During this latter movement, which it will be noted is entirely automatic inasmuch as the auxiliary blades are immediately thrown to open position when the operator releases the handle, the end of the rod 64 rides the remaining distance to the end of the slot 47 in the member 46 which places the end of said operating rod 64 in engagement with the left hand end of the slot.

The switch parts are now in the position shown in Fig. 5. To open the switch the arm 43 is moved to the left This movement swings the member 46 and consequently the 7 center point of the toggle, formed by said member and the rod 52, upwardly and causes the lug 48a to engage the main switch operating arm. Such engagement initiates a positive opening movement between the blades 16 and the clips 12. Before the break between the two latter members is completed, however, the center of the toggle is swung past the dead center point whereupon the spring 55 which has been compressed operates to force the member 46 rapidly upwardly and to the right whereb-y the main switch operating arm is carried by the lug 48-a and the main switch arms 16 snap to open position. The operating handle 43 and rod 64 remain stationary during the snap opening of the contacts 12 and 16, whereupon the member 46 rides past the right-hand end of the rod to the right-hand end of said slot whereupon all of the switch operating members are in the same position as shown in Fig.2 with the exception that here the construction is such that the handle 43 may be drawn backward'ly an additional distance and consequently the end of the rod 64 has moved away from the right-hand end of the slot 47.

On the initial closing movement of the switch the spring member 7 5' partially-obstructs the movement of the main switch arm and holds it until said arm is positively engaged by the switch closing lug 48 on the member 46. This spring member may not be necessary in all cases but is of advantage in that it prevents the movement of the main switch arm if foreign matter get between the pivoted end of the same and the member 46 journalled thereabout, or in case the two are too tightly journalled about each other. If the main switch operating arm moves before it is positively engaged by-the lug 48 it may happen that the main switch blades will be thrown into contact before the spring has an opportunity to become compressed and,

' thereafter resumes its normal position to snap the blades closed. The stops 73 and 74 furnish additional safety devices in limiting the movement of the main switch op.- erating arm in both directions.

While I have not referred to the specific proportions which the various switching elements assume in the above combination it is obvious that many novel features are incorporated in the proper proportioning of the various elements and in the inter-relating of one to the other whereby the opening and closing movements as wellas the fuseshunting movements, are properly synchrbnized to obtain the most beneficial results. As I have above intimated and described'it is preferable that the switch beclosed just after the fuses have been shunted, and moreover, that the fuse shunting circuit be broken positively and automatically after the handle has been released by the operator.

It is, of course, possible. by reason of the particular structure of my switch, and this is another feature of novelty, that the operator in view of certain special conditions may hold the switch handle downwardly to the right (as illustrated in Fig. 3) and thereby maintain the fuse-shunting circuit until the motor has come up to speed. As I have heretofore suggested this is not necessary in the majority of cases and, therefore, it is of extreme advantage for the circuit to be opened automatically. All the operator need do in my improved switch is to move the handle to closing position as usual and all of the other functions will automatically occur in predetermined order and without further attention on his part.

Referring now to Figs. 9,- 10 and 11, wherein a modified form of my switch is shown, it will be observed that I have not illustrated a fuse-shuntin apparatus in combination with the other eatures of the switch. Moreover, the quick make and break features while incorporatin all of the essentials heretofore describe in connection with my switch differsomewhat in detail.

The casing 1 is formed as heretofore described and is provided with a hinged cover 2. A plurality of contact blocks are mounted upon the base of the casing in the same manner as heretofore described and fuse clips are provided in connection with these blocks whereby fuses may be inserted in series with the circuit which the switch- 'moves therewith.

The member 46 is pivotally journalled about the end of the handle which is within the casing and is provided with lugs 48 and 48a, as heretofore described. The spring 55 is journalled abouta rod 52,"the latter sliding through the pivotally mounted lugs 54 and 51. This latter lug is mounted, as heretofore described, on the member 46 and the rod and'the member 46 together form a toggle whereby the center point may be moved from one side to the other of dead center whereb the spring is alternately compressed an expanded.

The main switch operating arm 34 is pivotally mounted in the side of the casing at 36 and at its other end is turned to journal about the inwardly extending end of switch operating arm.

arm in one direction.

of the prior art and Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11 the operation of this modified device will be described.

. In Fig to the right, the finger 77 will engage the lug 48a. At substantially the same time the lug 48 will engage the side of the bail portion 33 of the main arm and will initiate the positive closing movement of the switch.

very short period after this closing movement has been initiated the continuing movement of the handle to the right will force the center point ,of the spring and plate toggle downwardly past its dead center position whereupon the spring 55 which has been mally extended position and rapidly accelerate the blades 16 to their closed position. Because .of the loose connection of the member 46, the same can ride around the stationary handle during said acceleration.

By observing Figure 11, the manner in which the switching members function during the opening movement of the switch will. be seen. The finger 77 first engages the lug 48 and moves the plate member 46 upwardly. Then the lug 48a engages the side of the bail 33, initiating a positive opening movement of the blades, and, after the passage by the toggle .of its dead center point, the spring 55 functions to snap said blades to their open position.

' While I have described but two embodiments of my invention it is obvious that many modifications therein may occur to those skilled in the art and I desire, therefore, that the structure hereinbefore described shall be interpreted in its broadest aspects and that the invention involved therein shall be limited only by the showing by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a switch, an enclosure, a stationary contacts mounted therein, movable contacts to cooperate therewith, a bail-shaped arm connected to said movable contacts and pivotally mounted in said enclosure, means comprising a lug'engaging the side .of said 10, when the handle 43 is moved compressed will return to its norbail-shaped arm for positively initiating the separating movement of said contacts, and means for thereafter rapidly accelerating said contacts to a completely separated position. i 2. In a switch, fixed contacts, movable contacts pivotally mounted at one of their ends, a bail-shaped arm connected to said movable contacts and rotatable to move said contacts, a plate having a slot therein pivotally mounted and provided with lugs engaging the side of said bail-shaped arm in lost motion relation therewith, an oscillatory spring having one end fixed and the other end connected to said plate, and an operator movable in said slot to engage the ends of the latter and move said plate to cause said lugs to contact with said arm to open and close said movable contacts. 3. In a switch, fixed" contacts, movable contacts pivotally mounted in said casing, a bail-shaped arm connected to said movable contacts and pivot-ally mounted in the sides of said casing, pivotally mounted in 'journalled relation about the lower end of one of the sides of said arm, said plate being provided with lugs remote from said pivotal mounting point which engage the side of said bailshaped arm in lost motion relation, an oscillatory spring having one end fixed and the other end connected to said plate, and an operator movable in said slot to engage the ends of the latter and thereby cause said plate to contact, through said lugs, with said bail-shaped arm, to open and close said movable contacts. 1

4. In a switch, an enclosure, stationary contacts mounted therein, movable contacts to cooperate therewith, a bail-shaped handle connected to said movable contacts and mounted in the sides of said enclosure, means comprising a lug movable to engage the side of said bail-shaped handle for separating said contacts, and means comprising an over-the-center spring attached to said lug for accelerating the separation of said contacts at the point of break.

5. In a switch, an enclosure, stationary contacts, movable contacts cooperating there- With, an arm pivotally mounted in said enclosure and carrying said movable contacts, a member having lugs for loosely engaging said arm to move the same, an operator coacting with said member, and an oscillating resilient member having one end attached to said member, said member being provided with a slotted portion in which said operator rides whereby the latter and the arm may move independently.

6. In a switch, an enclosure, stationary contacts, movable contacts cooperating, there with, an arm'pivotally mounted in said enclosure. and carrying said movable contacts in overlying relation with the latter, a

slotted plate having lugs thereon through which said arm is moved, an operator having one end. slidable 'in said slotted plate, a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other carried by said plate across its dead center point, and means for pri-' marily restraining the movement of said arm whereby when said operator moves to close said switch, said springis first stressed, then said plate initiates the movement of said arm and thereafter said movable contacts are snapped into contact with-said stationary contacts, said'plate riding past said operator during the closing of said switch;

7. In a; switch, an enclosure, stationary contacts, movable contacts cooperating therewith, an armpivotally mountedin said enclosure and carrying said movable contacts,

a slotted plate through which said arin is moved, said plate being provided with lugs to engage said arm, an operator having one end slidable in said slotted plate, a spring having one end substantially fixed and-the other end carried by said plate across its dead center point and means for primarily restraining the movement of said arm,

whereby when said operator moves to close said switch,-said spring is first stressed, then said plate initiates the movement of said arm and thereafter said movable contacts are snapped into contact with said stationary contacts, said plate riding past said operator during the closing of said switch, and such that, when saidoperatoris moved to open said switch, said contacts are partially separated by the engagement of oneof said lugs and said arm, and are thereafter completely separated at anaccelerated rate throughthe action of said spring and said arm, ,w

8. In a switch, an enclosure, stationary contacts, movable contacts, a bail-shaped arm pivotally mounted in said enclosure and carrying said movable contacts, a slotted plate through which said arm is moved, said plate beingiloosely journalled on one of the lower ends of said arm, lugs on said plate adapted to engage said arm, an operator slidable in said slotted plate and adapted to move the same by contact with the ends of said slot, a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end carried'by said platewhereb the plate and s ring function as a toggle, t e engagement 0 said arm and one of said lugs being so timed when said operator moves to open said switch that the are thereafter opened" at an accelerated rate through. the action of said spring.

9. In a switch, stationary contacts, movable contacts, an arm carrying the latter,

' a member looselyassociated with said arm, A an operator, means between said operator and said member, wherebysaid operator may move said member but whereby the two elements may also move independently, and means providing a lost 'motion connection between said member and saidarm, whereby said member moves said arm in'the opening and closing operations of said switch,

10. In a switch, a casing, stationary contacts secured therein, a movable arm pivoted v in the sides of said casing and carryingcontacts cooperating with said stationary comtacts, a member through which said arm is moved journalled loosely therewith, said member being provided with lugs to engage the sides of said arm and move the same,va

spring having one end attached to saidcas mg and the other pivoted on sand member, an operator pivoted in said casing and having a lost motion engagement with said member to move independently of said arm said casing and the other pivoted on said member, an operator pivoted in said casing and having a lost motion engagement with said member to move independently of said arm and members and a. member fixed on.

said casing on the opposite side thereof from the point of support of said spring whereby the initial c-losingmov'ement of said arm is somewhat restrained.

12. In a switch, a casing therefor, main and auxiliary stationary contacts mounted therein, main and I auxiliary switch arms pivotally mounted in said casing and adapted to connect said main and auxiliary I fixed contacts, respectively, a fuse adapted to extend between said auxiliary stationary contacts, a inembervadapted to engage said 4 a main arm, a connector between said auxiliary arm and sald member having a lost-motion connection with the latter, a spring having one end connected to said auxiliary 'arm'and slidable alonga stop fixed to said vcaslng between said auxiliary-arm pivot and said-main-arm' pivot, and a handle extending outside of said casing and secured to sand auxiliary arm. contacts are-initially moved positively and 13. In a sw1tch,'a casing therefor, main andauxiliary stationary contacts mounted therein, main and auxiliary switch arms pivotally mounted in said casing and adapted'to connect said main and-auxiliary fixed contacts,'respectively, a fuse adapted to extendbetween said. auxiliary stationary contacts, a member adapted to engage said main arm, a connector between said auxiliary arm and said member and having a lost motion connection with the latter, a spring mounted about said connector, and having one end secured to said auxiliary arm, a slotted lug on said casing through which said connector passes, the other end of said spring being adapted to slide along said lug as the connector reciprocates through the slot therein, and a handle extending outside of said casing and secured to said auxiliary arm.

14. In a switch, a casing therefor, main and auxiliary stationary contacts mounted therein, main and auxiliary switch arms pivotally mounted in said casing and adapted to connect said main and auxiliary fixed contacts, respectively, a fuse adapted to extend between said auxiliary stationary contacts, a member adapted to engage said main arm, a connector between said auxiliary arm and said member and having a lost motion connection with the latter at one end, means associated with said auxiliary arm to provide a pivotal support for the other end of said connector, a spring journalled on said connector and having one end secured to said last named means, a slotted lug on said casing through which said connector passes, the other end of said spring being adapted to slide along said lug as the connector reciprocates through the slot therein, and a handle extending outside of said casing and secured to said auxiliary arm.

15. In a switch, a casing therefor, stationary contacts mounted therein, movable contacts, an arm carrying the latter pivoted in said casing, a member provided with means to engage said arm and being journalled about the arm, a spring encircled rod having one end fulcrumed on said member, an apertured lug pivotally mounted on said casing, the other end of said rod being disposed to slide through said slotted lug, whereas said spring abuts thereagainst and is compressed thereby, and an operator having a lost motion connection with said member.

16. In a switch, main stationary contacts, main switching means cooperating therewith, a receptacle whereby a fuse may be connected in series with said main contacts, auxiliary switching means for establishing a circuit in shunt relationship to said fuse only, independently movable means for closing said main and auxiliary switching means substantially together, and means to snap said shunt circuit open immediately after the closure thereof.

17. In a switch, main stationary contacts, main switch blades and an arm carrying the same, auxiliary stationary contacts, a fuse adapted to extend between the latter contacts, auxiliary switch blades and an arm carrying the same, a handle attached to said auxiliary arm, a plate having a slot therein loosely associated with the main switch arm,

a member secured to said'handle and having one end slidable in said slot, a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end secured to said handle whereby, when said handle is moved in a switch closing direction, said main switch blades are held closed, said auxiliary blades shunt said fuse, and said auxiliary blades are snapped open immediately upon the release of said handle.

18. In a switch, main stationary contacts, main switch blades and an arm carrying the same, auxiliary stationary contacts, a fuse adapted to extend between the latter contacts, auxiliary switch blades and an arm carrying the same, a handle attached to said auxiliary arm, a plate having a slot therein loosely associated with the main switch arm, a member secured to said handle and having one end slidable in said slot, a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end secured to said handle, and another spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end thereof adapted to be carried to either side of its dead center point by said plate, all of said instrumentalities being so disposed that, upon a closing movement of said handle, said fuse is first shunted by said auxiliary blade during substantially the same time that said main blade is being "positively moved toward a closed position,

then said main blade is snapped shut by said second spring, and finally, upon the release of said handles, said auxiliary blade is snapped to an open position to place said fuse in series with the main circuit.

19. In a switch, a casing, main stationary contacts, a switch arm cooperating therewith, auxiliary stationary contacts, a fuse.

adapted to extend therebetween, an auxiliary switch arm adapted to shunt said fuse only, said arms being individually pivotally mounted in said casing, and means connecting said switch arms whereby they may be moved substantially together toward a closing position, but whereby said fuse shunting circuit is immediately snapped open after said main switch is closed by the independent movement of said arms.

20. In a switch, a casing, main stationary contacts, a switch arm cooperating therewith, auxiliary stationary contacts, a fuse adapted to extend therebetween, an auxiliary switch arm adapted to shunt said fuse only, said arms being individually and independently mounted in saidcasing, means connecting said switch arms whereby they may be moved substantially together toward a closing position, and spring means associated with said connecting means which is adapted to be compressed by the closing movement of said .switch and which, by'its return to normal, after said main switch is closed, operates to snap said fuse-shunting circuit open.

21. In a switch, main "stationary contacts,

a switch arm cooperating therewith, auxiliary stationary contacts, a fuse adapted to extend therebetween, an auxiliary switch arm adapted to shunt said fuse only, a slotted member associated with said main arm, a connecting member secured at one end to said auxiliary arm and having its other end slidable in said slotted member whereby said arms move together upon a switch closing movement, and a spring associated with said connecting member whereby, after said main switch is closed, said auxiliary arm opens said fuse shunting circuit, said connecting member sliding in said slotted member during the latter operation.

22. In a switch, a casing, stationary and movable contacts in said casing, a pivotally mounted member carrying said movable contacts, a plate having abutments between which latter said pivotally mounted member moves, said plate having a slot therein, an operating member having a portion moving in said slot and adapted to move said plate to bring first one and then the other of said abutments into contact with said contact-carrying member, and a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end carried by said plate whereby the plate and spring function as a toggle.

' 23. In a switch, a casing, a stationary and movable contacts in said casing, a pivotally mounted arm carrying said movable contacts, a plate mounted at the side of the casing, abutments on said plate which are adapted to strike against said arm to move the latter, an operator also mounted at the side of the casin said plate. having an open- 4 ing therein in w ich a portion of said operator moves to actuate said plate about its mounting and thereby bring said abutments into contact with said arm and a spring having one end substantially iixed an the other end carried. by said plate whereby the plate anal4 s ring function as a tog motor starting switch, a main switch comprising stationar contacts and a rotatable 0st motion switc member adapted to coact therewith, fuse means, an auxiliary switch having a movable member for shunting said fuse means, means for movin said auxilia switch to full close the s unting circuit in advance 0 the closing of the circuit through the main switch and to automaticaloperating switch having a movable member for short circuiting said fuse, manually operable means for fully closin said auxiliary switch in advance of the -c osing of the circuit through the main switch, automatically operable means for fully opening the auxiliaryswitch in advance of the opening of the main switch, quick-break mechanism ada ted to operate said main switch, means or holding the auxiliary switch in its on and off positions and means for holdlng said main switch in its on and oli ositions.

26. A motor starting switc comprislng a movable main switch member, an auxiliary switch member, manually o erable means for sequentially operating sai switch members, qu ck-make and quick-break mechanism for the main switch member, means for automatically operating the auxiliary switch member when the manuall operable means is released, manual means or operating the quick-make and quick-break mechanlsm, means for holding the auxiliary switch positively in its on and ofi positions and means for yieldin ly holding the main switch in its on and 0 positions.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

ALBERT P. BALL.

(gle. n a quick-make an quick break ly operate said auxiliary switch to fully open said circuit in advance of the opening the main circuit, means for holding the auxiliary switch positively in its on and ofi positions, and spring means for holding said main switch in its on and of! positions.

25. In amotor starting switch of the quickmake and quick-break type, a main switch having stationary contacts and a rotatable lost motion switch member adapted to coact therewith, a protective fuse, an auxiliary 

